Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 50
The first vehicles were originally due to be delivered to the British Army in April...
Conclusion
The first vehicles were originally due to be delivered to the British Army in April 2017, however this was delayed. In May 2020 it emerged that the delivery of the first batch of Ajax vehicles was to be delayed further as they were found not to be ready to be accepted into service. It is not exactly clear what caused this delay but, in its evidence to the inquiry GDLSUK stated that delays had occurred in agreeing requirements and challenges with the integration of the 40mm weapon system mandated by the Ministry of Defence - similar to the issue on the Warrior programme.
Paragraph Reference:
50
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department notes the Committee’s comments and appreciates their concerns about delays in delivery of this capability to the front line. AJAX represents the first major procurement of an Armoured Fighting Vehicle that is fully digitised with an Electronic Architecture. This step change in capability and increased level of system complexity has brought technical challenges, including around the operation of the Fire Control Panel on the turreted variant, which have required thorough analysis to ensure a safe system is released to Service. Whilst the integration of the 40mm weapon system has undoubtedly increased the technical challenge, there are a number of other technical challenges that GDLSUK are working through and need to overcome in parallel to this particular issue, we continue to work collaboratively with the Prime Contractor, General Dynamics UK, to overcome these issues and ensure delivery of the capability to the required standard.